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ThesisItem Open Access Investigations on etio-pathology of vomiting in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Muraly, P; KAU; Baby, P GThe study "INVESTIGATIONS ON ETIO-PATHOLOGY OF VOMITING IN DOGS" was conducted in 20 dogs to evaluate ultrasonography and radiography as diagnostic tools in vomiting dogs; to assess hydration status, electrolyte and acid-base balance in vomiting dogs and to correlate clinico-pathologic findings with radiographic and ultrasonographic changes. Various parameters such as history, physical examination, hydration status, ultrasonography, radiography-plain and contrast, haematology, serum biochemistry, and wherever possible histopathology were studied. Most of the dogs under study had bile stained watery vomitus but dogs with pyloric stenosis had frothy or watery white vomitus. The frequency of vomiting in dogs with gastritis and gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction was two to seven times per day, it was variable in dogs with hepatic and renal disorders, but was associated with food intake in dogs with pyloric stenosis. Physical examination was found useful in dogs with GI obstruction, while it was non-specific in dogs with gastritis and renal disorders. Capillary refill time (CRT) and degree of sunken eye balls were helpful to assess dehydration. Estimation of volume of packed red cells (VPRC) was found beneficial to assess dehydration unless the dogs are anemic. Ultrasonography could not identify any lesions in dogs with gastritis, but was useful to detect GI obstructions due to pyloric stenosis, intussusception and foreign body and to characterise lesions in the parenchymal organs like liver and kidney. While plain radiographs could give indication to possible non-radiopaque GI obstructions, contrast radiography was required to confirm. Radiography could not identify any lesions in dogs with gastritis, hepatic and chronic intestitial nephritis. Hypokalemia with metabolic alkalosis was the significant electrolyte and acid-base derangement in dogs with vomiting due to gastritis and GI obstructions.ThesisItem Open Access Haematological And Serum Biochemical Profile Of Intestinal Impaction In Elephants(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1999) Jayakrishnan, T N; KAU; Alex, P CThe present study was undertaken to analyze the haematological and biochemical alterations in elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction. The epidemiology, clinical fmdings and haematology were the main items of observations. Six elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction lasting for more than four days in and around Thrissur district were utilized for the study. Six apparently healthy elephants in and around Thrissur district were selected at random and utilized as the healthy controls. The detailed history was collected using a questionnaire (Annexure I). Sample of whole blood and serum from the animals of the healthy and diseased groups were collected and analysed. Haematological values consisting ofESR, PCV, Hb, TEC, TLC and DLC were recorded. Urea nitrogen, glucose, sodium, chloride, potassium, total protein, creatinine, bicarbonate, lactate and AST in the serum were estimated using standard methods. Analysis of the data indicated that the disease was more common in male elephants than in females. The incidence was more in summer season i.e., during the season of festivals. Characteristic clinical symptoms were absence of defaecation ~, tttc!ife than 24 hours, varying degrees of straining, exudation from re~t»m ~rn1 Y~frfrg degrees of dehydration. Clinical data were within physiological limits on the day of collection of blood sample, i.e. on the fourth day after the development of clinical symptoms. A highly significant increase in PCV but without significant alterations in Hb, ESR, TEC, TLC and DLC were observed in elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction. Biochemical changes in blood included a highly significant increase in urea-nitrogen and lactate levels. Highly significant decrease in the level of chloride was noticed. Significant increase in the level of bicarbonate was noticed. Decrease in the levels of glucose and potassium in the affected elephants was significant. Variations in total protein, sodium, creatinine and aspartate amino transferase in the blood were not significant. Changes in the parameters observed in elephants with gastro-intestinal tract impaction in the present study indicated that mild metabolic alkalosis with hypochloremia and hypokalemia were associated with this condition. Intensive treatment with a balanced electrolyte solution! Dextrose saline/ gastric replacement solutions is recommended in the early stages of gastro-intestinal tract impaction.ThesisItem Open Access Dermatological disorders in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Madhu Rajan, Mathews; KAU; Aleyas, N MFifty dermatological diseases in dogs presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai and Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy were systematically investigated to find out the etiology. The results indicated that the conditions were mostly caused by bacteria and ectoparasites (42% each) and only a small proportion was caused by fungi (4%) and other factors (12%). Sixteen different clinical conditions were identified viz, Superficial Bacterial Folliculitis, Impetigo, German Shepherd Pyoderma, Furunculosis, Infantile Pustular Dermatoses, Localised Demodicosis, Generalised Demodicosis, Flea Bite Hypersensitivity, Flea Bite Dermatitis, Tick infestation, Pediculosis, Dermatophytosis, Dermatomycosis produced by non-dermatophyte, Callus Pyoderma, Telogen Defluxion, Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Lentigo. Among the dogs which were investigated, non-descript ones were mostly affected probably due to lesser care and attention given to them. The results suggested that animals kept full time indoor or outdoor were almost equally affected whereas animals reared under semi intensive system were less prone to dermatological diseases. In almost all conditions secondary lesions were predominant than pnmary lesions probably. due to the delay in medical attention. The only condition, with primary lesions alone, was lentigo. Lesions of bacterial dermatitis were predominant in the abdomen, hind legs and trunk. In dermatophytosis, ear, trunk and hind legs were affected, where as in dermatomycosis, head, trunk, hind legs and fore legs were affected. The lesions produced by ectoparasites were mostly in the back followed by trunk and fore legs. No characteristic distribution of lesions could be detected in other conditions; with an exception of callus pyoderma in which lesions were seen at the pressure points. The ditferent clinical bacterial dermatitis were produced by Staphylococcus intermedius. Ectoparasitic conditions were mostly produced by Demodex canis, followed by fleas, ticks and lice. Some cases of the ectoparasitic conditions developed secondary bacterial infection with S. intermedius. There were four clinical conditions, namely callus pyoderma, telogen defluxion, irritant contact dermatitis and lentigo caused by factors other than bacteria, fungi and ectoparasites. The haernatological and serum biochemical parameters studied did not suggest any systemic diseases. A significant reduction in haemoglobin level was noticed in impetigo, generalised dernodicosis and flea bite hypersensitivity. RBC counts were significantly reduced in impetigo and folliculitis. The total leukocyte count showed significant difference from that of control animals, in conditions such as folliculitis, German Shepherd Pyoderma, furunculosis, localised demodicosis, generalised demodicosis, flea bite hypersensitivity, flea bite dermatitis, tick infestation and callus pyoderma; suggesting primary or secondary bacterial infections.ThesisItem Open Access Ultrasonographic evaluation of canine hepatic disorders(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Renjith, R; KAU; Alex, P CStudy on 'Ultrasonographic evaluation of canine hepatic disorders' was conducted on forty eight dogs to evaluate the utility of ultrasonography as a tool for early and better diagnosis of liver diseases and classify liver diseases based on ultrasonographic findings. Parameters studied were history and clinical signs, physical examination, ultrasonography of liver, ultrasound guided biopsy, haematology and serum biochemistry, post-mortem examination and histopathology. Specific clinical signs noticed were ascites and icterus. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension, yellowish discolouration of skin and hepatomegaly. Primary liver disorders identified by ultrasound scans were haematoma, lymphosarcoma, hepatitis due to leptospirosis, cirrhosis, fibrosis, fatty infiltration, chronic active hepatitis, portal hypertension and portosystemic shunt. Secondary changes noticed in liver were due to pyometra, proctitis and cholecystitis, hepatic calcification in chronic renal failure and passive venous congestion in right sided heart failure. Ultrasound guided biopsy confirmed lymphosarcoma, fatty infiltration and , chronic active hepatitis. Histological changes in leptospirosis were chronic venous . and sinusoidal congestion whereas ~n cirrhosis, fibrosis and pseudo lobulation were the prominent histological change. Alkaline phosphatase and Alanine aminotransferase levels were above normal values in all the cases studied. From the present study it was inferred that ultrasonography was a valuable tool for diagnosing hepatopathies along with clinico-pathological and ultrasound guided biopsy.ThesisItem Open Access Clinical and ultrasonographic investigations of ascites in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2005) Jegaveera Pandian, S; KAU; Usha Narayana, Usha NarayanaStudy entitled “Clinical and Ultrasonographic Investigation of Ascites in Dogs” was conducted in ten dogs. The study aimed at understanding the etiopathogenesis of ascites in dogs. The parameters observed were signalment, history and detailed clinical examination, electrocardiography, ultrasonography of liver, kidney and heart, course of illness, estimation of haemoglobin concentration packed cell volume(PCV), total plasma protein, albumin, A: G ratio, liver enzymes like alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), protein content in ascitic fluid , ascitic fluid to plasma protein ratio, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, sodium and potassium. Inappetance and lethargy were observed in dogs with liver diseases. Cardiac palpitation, loud heart sounds and strong femoral pulse were noticed in dogs with CHF. Non- specific and vague signs were noticed in dogs with nephrotic syndrome. Deep ‘Q’ waves in leads I, II and aVF, prolonged ‘QRS’ duration, S-T slurring, tall ‘R’ waves, mild sinus arrhythmia and S1, S2 and S3 pattern were the abnormal ECG findings in dogs with CHF. No marked changes could be observed in the ECG of dogs with ascites of hepatic and renal origin. Ultrasonography of liver revealed hyperechogenicity of parenchyma, specks of hyperechogenicity and mildly echogenic gall bladder contents in three out of five dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. Two dogs had uneven and eroded borders along with hyperechoic liver parenchyma in dogs with ascites of hepatic origin. Nephrosonogram was unremarkable in all the ten dogs. Ultrasonographic findings and serum biochemical findings were coinciding with each other. Ultrasonography was an efficient tool in studying the changes of liver parenchyma and portal vasculature. ECG in cardiac diseases was complementary to echocardiography. Echocardiography was efficient in diagnosing DCM (two dogs) and HCM (one dog). All the dogs with liver diseases had mild to marked elevation in serum levels of ALT and/ or ALP. Hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed in dogs with liver and kidney diseases. Liver and kidney function tests were unremarkable in dogs with nephrotic syndrome and heart diseases. Treatment regimen involved administration of furosemide and/ or furosemide + spironolactone, silymarin, Liv- 52 Vet, enalapril, digoxin and prednisolone as the case may be. Six out of 10 dogs survived beyond 30 days following the therapy instituted. Nephrotic syndrome in dogs could be concluded by progressing hypoproteinemia especially hypoalbuminemia, low- protein ascites, negative ECG and echocardiographic findings and non- responsiveness to therapy. Nephrotic syndrome can be confirmed by biopsy and / or urine protein: creatinine ratio. Liver diseases can be confirmed and characterized only with biopsy.ThesisItem Open Access Clinico-therapeutic study of ruminal lactic acidosis in goats(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 2000) Anil Thachil, J; KAU; Baby, P Gwelve goats with history and symptoms suggestive of ruminal acidosis were divided into two groups (I and 11). Six healthy goats were also served as controls. Detailed clinical examination, recording of clinical data, sampling and analysis of rumen liquor and blood were done at zero hour, one hour, 12 h, 24 h, 48 hand 72 h of the study. Therapeutic management of group I was done by giving five per cent sodium bicarbonate solution intravenously at a dose rate of 5 ml / kg ; whereas in group 11 it was replaced with a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (carbicarb) intravenously at a dose rate of 4 ml / kg. Animals of group I and 11 were given dexamethasone 20 mg intravenously, evacuated rumen contents and given .. magnesium hydroxide and oxytetracycline orally. Supportive treatments were done with fluids, vitamin B complex inj ection daily and transfer of fresh rumen liquor on second or third day in both groups. The clinical signs noticed were anorexia, dullness, low carriage of head, dry muzzle, sunken eyes, tending of skin, oliguria, distended abdomen, cold extremities and retracted eye balls. There was improvement in the pulse quality and also considerable reduction in respiratory rate noticed in animals of group 11 than in group I at 24 h of .treatment. In both groups, the rumen liquor colour, odour, consistency and protozoal motility became normal, SAT and MBRT showed improvement and elevated rumen liquor lactic acid became normal by 72 h. Elevated haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, TLC and neutrophilia also became normal. Improvement in serum bicarbonate level was marked in group 11 than in group I at 24 hand 48 h of treatment. Serum lactic acid showed significant increase at zero hour in group I and 11, but came to normal in group 11 at 72 h, but not in group I. Elevated serum protein level at zero hour also came to normal. Clinical assessment throughout the study revealed that all animals of group 11 appeared more alert and active and recovered earlier than in group I.ThesisItem Open Access Electrocardiogram abnormalities in cardiac disorders of dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Ravindran, P; KAU; Ajithkumar, SIn the present study, standard electrocardiogram patterns were worked out from sixty normal dogs. These dogs were grouped according to age groups like dogs below one year and above one year and different breeds like German Shepherd, Dobermann pinscher, Dachshund, Spitz and Mongrel. Based on the clinical signs and electrocardiogram abnormalities, thirteen dogs were grouped into ( 1) dogs with congestive heart failure, (2) dogs with ventricular enlargement secondary to anaemia and (3) dogs with electolyte imbalance due to renal disease. Congestive heart failure was found to be more in geriatric small breeds like Dachshund and Spitz. The clinical signs observed in dogs with CHF were anorexia, cough, exertional dyspnoea, exercise intolerance, orthopnoea, crackles, murmurs, syncope, cachexia and ascites. Clinical signs exhibited by the dogs with ventricular enlargement secondary to anaemia were anorexia, pale visible mucous membranes, weakness and respiratory distress. Dogs with electrolyte imbalance due to renal disease exhibited anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, malena, polydipsia, oliguria and anuria. The electrocardiographic signs exhibited by dogs with congestive heart failure were consistent with left atria! enlargement, left and right ventricular enlargement, ventricular tachycardia and right bundle branch block. Dogs in group II had right and left ventricular enlargement as major electrocardiogram abnormality. Dogs in group III with renal disease exhibited tall and peaked ‘T ’ wave and prolonged ‘Q-T- interval in electrocardiogram specifically on the chest leads. The prominent radiographic signs observed in dogs with CHF in the present study were left atrial enlargement, left and right ventricular enlargement and tracheal elevation. Dogs in group II showed left ventricular enlargement, pericardial effusion and tracheal elevation. Group III animals had no radiographic signs of cardiac enlargement. Ultrasonographic evidence of cardiac involvement were present in three dogs, two with CHF and one with ventricular enlargement secondary to anaemia. The findings of postmortem examination of the heart in one dog with CHF were suggestive of mitral valvular insufficiency. Haematology showed no variations in dogs with CHF. Group II and III animals exhibited anaemia evidenced by haematological changes like low TEC, Hb and PCV. Group III animals had neutrophilia with lymphopenia. Group III also had microcytic anaemia.ThesisItem Open Access Thyroid function evaluation in canine dermatoses(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Renju, Alias; KAU; Jayakumar, K MPrevalence of hypothyroidism was studied among the dogs presented with dermatological problems at the University Veterinary Hospitals, Mannuthy and Kokkalai, during the period from June 2004 to May 2005. Among 1,233 dermatological cases presented, hypothyroidism accounted for 1.23 per cent (16 cases) Dogs between the age group of seven to ten years were more frequently affected and no significant differences in the incidence rate between male and female dogs were observed. Hypothyroidism was recorded more in German Shepherd breed followed by Dachshunds. Low serum thyroxine (T4) and high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level with normal or low normal T3 levels were observed in the hypothyroid dogs. The most common dermatological changes exhibited by hypothyroid dogs included seborrhea, alopecia of tail and around the neck, bilaterally symmetrical pattern of hair loss and coat changes such as dryness, dullness, dandruff, scaliness, coarseness and sparseness. A significant increase in serum cholesterol concentration was observed in the affected dogs. Serum enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase were showed elevation in few cases. Replacement therapy using Eltroxin was found to be effective in treating hypothyroidism. A minimum of one month was needed to evaluate the therapeutic response. Four out of six (66.66 per cent) confirmed cases of hypothyroidism showed an excellent response to replacement therapy.ThesisItem Open Access Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac disorders in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Anju Eliz, Ben; KAU; Usha Narayana, PillaiDogs presented with the signs suggestive of cardiac disorders were included in the present study. Based on the tests conduted, which included clinical examination, electrocardiography, radiography, echocardiography and haemato - biochemical assays, cardiac disorders were confirmed in twelve cases. According to the present study, 41.67 percent cases had mitral valve insufficiency. The mean age of diseased dogs was 6.2 years and 60 percent were male dogs. Breed wise, Spitz were more affected (40 percent) followed by Labradors, Dachshunds and Rottweilers. The main clinical signs included weakness, lethargy, cough, tachypnoea, cold extremities, cachexia and syncope. Upon echocardiographic evaluation, the common finding in all the patients of this group was the deformed or thickened mitral valve, left atrial and left ventricular dilatation and hyperdynamic systolic function. The mean values of the haematological parameters (Hb, VPRC and TEC) were within the normal range, where as the serum biochemical values revealed elevated levels of LDH and CPK – MB. Pericardial effusion was noted in 16.67 percent of the cases and the affected animals were seven year old Spitz and four year old Labrador. The main clinical signs were lethargy and syncope. Echocardiography revealed anechoic areas surrounding the ventricles in both dogs. Haematology was insignificant, but the enzyme values were above the normal range. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was seen in a six year old male Spitz with the presenting complaints of mild dyspnoea, lethargy and difficulty to climb stairs. M – mode echocardiogram revealed increased thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW = 5.9 mm). Hematology was unrewarding in the diagnosis of the disease. The enzyme values were above the normal. Dilated cardiomyopathy was noted in 33.33 percent of the total dogs with cardiac disorders and all of them were males. The mean age of the affected animals was 4.5 years and the major breed in which DCM occurred in the present study was Boxer. Salient clinical signs included abdominal distension, ascites and oedema of various body parts, syncope and weight loss. Atrial tachycardia was an important ECG finding in the affected dogs. Two dimensional four – chamber view revealed left ventricular enlargement as well as marked dilation of all the chambers in a few cases. The mean values of EF and FS were 42 percent and 21 percent respectively. The hematological parameters were towards the lower limit and the enzyme values were elevated.
